RWBY: The Dark Side of the Black
Since its premiere in 2013, RWBY has been a beloved show for fans all over the world. The characters, the story, and the action have captivated audiences, but there is a darker and more complex side to the show that often goes overlooked: RWBY Black.
The Sins of the Father
The biggest theme explored in RWBY Black is the sins of the father. We see this through the character arcs of Blake Belladonna and Adam Taurus. Blake comes from a family of Faunus revolutionaries who fought against the oppressive humans. However, her father, Ghira Belladonna, is the former leader of the White Fang, a Faunus terrorist group that she has now disavowed. Adam Taurus, on the other hand, was originally inspired by Blake's father and the ideals he represented, but after his death, Adam becomes consumed by revenge and becomes a dangerous extremist. This theme reminds us that the actions of our predecessors can have a long-lasting impact on our own lives.
The Darkness Within Us
Another central theme of RWBY Black is the darkness within us. The show explores this through Yang Xiao Long and her struggles with PTSD after losing her arm in a battle. She starts to become more reckless and violent, even going so far as to stalk and threaten her own sister. We also see it in Weiss Schnee, who comes from a wealthy and influential family, but must confront the fact that her father is a ruthless businessman who has done unethical things to maintain his power and wealth. This theme challenges us to confront our own inner demons and to resist the darkness that can creep into our lives.
The Price of Revenge
Finally, an important lesson that RWBY Black teaches us is the price of revenge. We see this through the story of Sienna Khan, the former leader of the White Fang who is murdered by Adam Taurus. Sienna initially joined the White Fang in order to seek justice for the Faunus, but over time, she became more extreme in her beliefs and eventually took over as leader. This led her down a path of violence and destruction that ultimately cost her life. Adam, too, becomes consumed by revenge and ultimately dies in battle. This theme reminds us that while seeking retribution may feel satisfying in the moment, it often leads to a cycle of violence and tragedy that only brings more pain in the end.
RWBY Black may be a darker and more complex side to the show, but it is just as important in exploring the themes and ideas that make RWBY such a powerful and meaningful story. By delving into the darker side of human nature, it challenges us to reflect on our own lives and strive to be better, more compassionate people.